The students were encouraged to identify, question and cross social boundaries during lunch periods last week.
According to School Counselor Kim Nelson, the activity took place in the cafeteria because that is where social boundaries are typically evident.
“Mix it up is a positive step that schools can take to help create learning environments where students see each other as individuals and not just members of a separate group,” Teaching Tolerance Director Maureen Costello said.
Students were given a guide of questions to ease the process of communicating and making new friends.
“When people step out of their cliques and get to know someone, they realize just how much they have in common,” Costello said.
Nelson added that when students interact with others who are different from them, biases and false perceptions can disappear.Follow @BrittanyMWehner